Surface mounting polarised electrical components on a printed circuit board

摘要

The present invention relates generally to a new arrangement for surface mounting a polarized electrical component (e.g. tantalum capacitor) on a printed circuit board. Also described is that the electronic device is testable electrically to indicate both the proper mechanical mounting and the correct orientation of the electronic component on the printed circuit card. The arrangement comprises an electrical component having a first and second power connector leads and further having a test connector lead. The arrangement further includes a circuit board having a connector footprint having a first and second pads connected to supply rails on the printed circuit board and also a pair of test pads connected to first and second test points on the circuit card. Correct orientation of the component is indicated when the test lead is connected to a first of the test pads and one of the first or second power leads bridges between the second test pad and one of the pair of pads connected to the supply rails. And improper connection and orientation of the component is indicated when said one of said first or second power leads bridges between the first of the test pads and the other of the pair of pads connected to the supply rails.